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Floradise

A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

Why HPV Screening is Important | How to Test at Home

** This post is sponsored by Nurx, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

It’s important to be your own advocate and take charge of your health. I’ve recently shared how my pregnancy taught me to speak up, ask questions and to make sure I’m being proactive. That’s why I make sure to get screenings when recommended and to take preventive measures to give myself the best shot at staying healthy. However, many women don’t have access to the health services they need, whether because they lack health insurance or access to care, or because their lifestyle makes it difficult or costly to make it to the doctor’s office. In honor of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January, I’m sharing a service that can make testing for HPV, a leading cause of cervical cancer, easier and more accessible for women.

Nurx, a healthcare company that offers affordable services to women in the U.S., has recently launched its Home HPV Screening Test. Each year, HPV causes nearly 34,000 new cervical cancer diagnoses. This test will allow women to check for their risk of cervical cancer from the privacy and convenience of their own home for a $15 copay with insurance or $69 without insurance.

What does the test check? The test is the same quality as a pap smear. It will check for 14 strains of HPV that have a higher risk of leading to cervical cancer. While it is not a replacement for doctors, it is a great option for women 30 and older who don’t get pap smears as often as is recommended, didn’t get the HPV vaccine or don’t have access to healthcare routinely because of factors such as location or lack of insurance. It’s important to take control of your health as much as possible and this is a way to do that. Nurx also offers the Home HPV kit for women 25 to 29 to use in between pap smears, although guidelines still recommend getting a pap smear every three years. Check with your doctor if you’re ever unsure.

How to order and use the kit:

  • Download the Nurx app or visit Nurx.com. Answer the questions about your health to have Home HPV Screen Test shipped to you.
  • Follow the instructions on the kit card.
  • Once you’ve taken your sample, place your swab into the tube provided and then into the specimen bag. Then insert it into the pre-paid mailing envelope in the kit.
  • Results come back in just a few days after the sample is received by the lab.
  • If your results are negative, your risk for cervical cancer is low and you do not need additional testing for another three years. If your results are positive, this does not mean you have cervical cancer. The Nurx medical team will work closely with you to help figure out next steps.

Get more information:

Order your Home HPV Screening Test

Watch an unboxing:

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Do you regularly get an HPV test?

A Reminder for Parents About Over-the-Counter Medications

** This post was sponsored by Influence Central as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Safety is a top priority for us as parents, whether we are traveling to a new destination or spending time at home. Child proofing our home was essential to preparing to bring our first daughter home, including one area in particular: The medicine cabinet. Whenever possible I try to use more natural remedies or over-the-counter medications to treat any common symptoms our children experience. As our two young girls grow older, I need to continue to ensure that any medications they take are appropriate and won’t cause them any harm. We also always keep our children away from all medicines and over-the-counter products to avoid accidental ingestion or misuse.

 

Today I wanted to share a reminder to all parents to actively look at the labels of any medications for your family members, including not just prescriptions but over-the-counter products. When you travel frequently like we like to do, someone in your family might need a remedy for a common symptom like diarrhea. If you’re picking up a medication to treat something like diarrhea on the go, you might not be checking the ingredients, but it’s always a good idea.

It’s important to be aware of one active ingredient in particular that is found in many diarrhea relief products and has risks associated with it. What is loperamide? The ingredient, loperamide, while completely safe when used as intended, can mimic the effects of opiods in certain, larger dosages. It’s also important to know that loperamide does not directly address the underlying cause of the diarrhea and it may only relieve symptoms. As shocking as this sounds, there have been cases of people, including teenagers, using such products with loperamide to get high, and parents should be aware of the potential for this to occur if the products are kept in their homes.

What can parents do?

The FDA has issued a letter asking retailers to stop selling large sizes of products that contain loperamide, and while some companies are complying, it is not yet mandatory. That means it’s up to parents to check labels and keep certain medications away from their loved ones to avoid potential abuse or misuse. Parents should also always consult with their physician when taking medications. A medical professional is always the best person to ask about risks and dosage. Do you regularly check the labels for over-the-counter medications? Have you heard of this misuse of loperamide?

Learn more about drug safety on the FDA’s website.

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Postpartum Thoughts: 6 Months

I’ve had a lot of postpartum thoughts on my mind lately, but I’ve been hesitant to share them. I don’t want to come across as complaining, because in fact I am grateful for my family, my work situation and my life in general.

I was hesitant to share this motherhood post because so many moms are shamed when they speak about how they feel or what struggles they are having. You can have prayed for a baby for years and still have challenges to overcome, and the following are mine. I don’t really know where to start, so I’ll break this postpartum thoughts post into categories:

Sleep

I was blessed with plenty of sleep from the time A was 2 months until almost exactly 4 months. At that point she started waking up several times each night. Some nights it would be every hour; some nights it would just be once or twice. On some occasions she would go right back to sleep, and other nights she would be awake for hours. Everyone told me when she was born that I would eventually get more sleep, so I naively expected that would have happened by now. The fact that the sleep situation has gotten worse has been a shock to the system. I work as an editor, so I need to be mentally prepared for each workday. I also work from home while caring for my baby and sometimes also my 4-year-old if she isn’t in school. On mornings when I have had a rough night I am totally useless. I don’t follow my own advice to get ready for the day or even eat a good breakfast. I have to do a minimum of 10 things for my girls before I can even grab myself a drink of water or put on my clothes for the day. This kind of living takes its toll on my mental health. I begin to think that I am failing as a mother because I have not properly “sleep trained” my baby. These mornings put me behind on my blog work, my full-time job and my daily housework. I said when she was born that I would not sleep train until she was 6 months old and that time has come. I am not looking forward to it but after being reassured by our pediatrician I now feel hope that the sleep situation will improve soon. The bright spot to the many sleepless nights is that she looks so darn cute when she is falling asleep/fighting sleep and I look at her and think how I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect addition to our family. (She just needs to learn how to sleep!) This is all just temporary and I will miss these days when they pass. I already do miss the newborn stage, actually. I loved holding and cuddling her as much as I wanted.

Comparison

I have fallen into the comparison trap on many occasions. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help but feel like a bad mom when others post about their babies who are such good sleepers and perfectly nap trained. I often ask myself what I am doing wrong to keep my baby from  getting the sleep she needs. I feel to blame for creating habits like nursing to sleep when everyone tells me it’s a no-no. You also don’t notice how often people post about sleep until you aren’t getting enough of it. When someone complains about an unexpected nap ruining their whole day I have to admit I feel envious. I would love a nap! I am trying to pull back on my time on social media, though it’s a challenge because I want to connect with others and promote my blog work. I am aiming to find a balance, or at least remind myself that others’ sleep patterns have nothing to do with me.

Emotions

I feel a thousand times better emotionally and more like myself than in months. But I struggled for at least three months with the blues. I don’t call it postpartum depression because I was not officially diagnosed or treated, but I felt sadness and anxiety on many days. It had nothing to do with my baby. In fact, every time I held her I felt so blessed to have her with us. She is truly the greatest gift, along with V. I was anxious because I felt unsure of what I was doing and I was alone a lot. I don’t have many friends or family members in Chicago, so I had little help. Graham worked a ton — sometimes 15 hour days and always on weekends. I had no breaks, not even five minutes to myself. This also took a toll on me as an introvert. I started to feel resentment, but it was no one’s fault. It was the hormones along with the drastic change of going from one adopted child to having two kids. To this day I cry when I hear the theme song from the TV show “Spirit”, which is a cartoon for kids, because it reminds me of being so depressed while letting V watch the show to distract her from seeing me shed tears. She is incredibly perceptive, though, and she knew I was having a tough time. She’s the sweetest child who would say, “It’s OK, Mommy.” It would turn into a vicious cycle because I would then feel guilty about having these feelings and letting them be known, especially to my oldest child. She deserves the best and I wasn’t always at my best.

Breastfeeding

Another contributor to how I felt was my initial struggles with breastfeeding. It’s gotten so much better, thankfully. I am proud to have surpassed my goal of breastfeeding for six months and now I plan to keep going. It’s a special time with A that I will forever cherish. I am grateful for the help I received from my lactation consultant to be able to do it. I have to be honest and say I have thought about weaning when I realized the habit I had created by nursing to sleep. I don’t really want to stop breastfeeding, but sometimes I have felt like life would be easier if I didn’t. When this happens I remember why I wanted to try in the first place and all the challenges I have overcome. A fun new development is that she tries to pull my glasses off while nursing. Ha!

Work

As hard as it can be to balance everything, I am truly grateful to be able to work from home. I wanted to work remotely for years before it happened and that was partly because I knew I would want to be home with my children. Going back to work was tough after 12 weeks of (unpaid) maternity leave, even if I didn’t actually have to leave the house. I can only imagine how difficult it could be for many moms who work out of the house. I felt like there was no way I would get everything done, but guess what? We have all survived after three months back at work. I have made my editing deadlines, even if it meant logging back on after bedtime or on weekends. As parents we have to make difficult sacrifices for our kiddos, but whether you are with them all day or not, the kids will be all right; they are resilient and so are we. This is what I keep reminding myself on days I don’t have it together. (I will share a separate post on how I get my work done while caring for my girls, if anyone is interested.)

Support

I think what finally helped me feel better was asking for help and telling people how I feel when they asked. I am someone who tries to do everything but it’s just not possible. Shortly after giving birth, my good friend whom I hadn’t spoken to in months called to ask how I was. I immediately started crying. (Thanks, hormones!) I was so touched that someone took the time to check on me and that she cared. That’s a wonderful way to offer support to someone in your life; just ask how they are and listen. I also had some family members who visited to help and that was amazing.

Body/Hair/Health

Somehow I missed the memo that I would lose a bunch of my hair starting around two or three months postpartum. I can definitely tell a difference in my hair line, but I have received reassurance from many people that my hair will go back to being healthy and full. As far as weight goes, I lost the 25 pounds I gained by six weeks postpartum, which was a huge surprise. My body will be forever changed though. If you look at my stomach you will see wrinkly skin and stretch marks that I’m pretty sure are here to stay. I have accepted this and think of it as a small price to pay for my huge gift. I won’t be wearing many two-piece bathing suits soon, though. Good thing it’s almost winter! (But if you have any tips on minimizing the marks, help a girl out.) I used to track my meals before and during pregnancy, mostly to make sure I was eating balanced meals, but that has gone out the window. My goal is to be back on track with eating well and working out by the time she turns 1. This is just a temporary period of my life being off track, and that’s OK. We need to give ourselves a break during times of transition.

For a fitness update, read my post on how and why I ran a half-marathon without training.

Overall postpartum thoughts 

Motherhood times two has been wonderful and I love spending time as a family of four. Has it been easy? Heck no! But it’s definitely been worth it and I’m grateful for both experiences of becoming of mom: adoption and pregnancy.

My point with this post is to show other moms that they are not alone, and the best thing to do is express your emotions in a healthy way instead of holding them inside. I want to be real vs. complain, and my aim has always been to be helpful in some way.

Have you experienced any of these feelings postpartum?

 

Note: If you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, please talk to a health professional. Many health facilities offer postpartum support groups, and you can/should also share your feelings with friends and family. 

Related post:

Running a Half-Marathon Without Training
A’s Birth Story

How to Become More Informed About Women’s Healthcare Choices

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LetsTalkPlanB #CollectiveBias #ad

Since becoming pregnant last year, I have taken my healthcare decisions even more seriously. Throughout my adult life, and especially during pregnancy, I haven’t wanted to simply accept a certain route just because that’s what others told me to do. I put a ton of research into healthcare options when it comes to family planning, labor and delivery, and my body in general. I think too often we think there are no options instead of seeking out education and support. While we wanted to grow our family, I know not everyone has the same plan. This is especially the case for women facing a birth control failure. It has happened to friends in the past, and luckily they had access to emergency contraception. That’s why today I’m sharing my views on why it’s important to educate yourself about women’s healthcare choices as well as how to do so.

How to Become More Informed About Women’s Healthcare Choices:

We all have different family planning goals and preferred birth control methods, but it’s important to make choices beyond those. We need to consider what we would do if our preferred birth control methods fail or if you did not use birth control (by the way, you should always use a regular birth control method if you do not wish to become pregnant).

It’s important to do the following:

  • Research emergency contraception even if you think you’ll never need it. Plan B One-Step can help reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex. What does Plan B One-Step do? Plan B works mainly by delaying ovulation, which helps prevent pregnancy BEFORE it begins. The active ingredient, levonorgestrel, is the same ingredient in many common birth control pills but at a higher, single dose. It’s smart to read about Plan B ahead of time, because if you decide to take it for your emergency contraception, you would need to do it as soon as possible, and definitely before 72 hours have passed after unprotected sex.

  •      Read information from reputable sources. Learn about others’ experiences but don’t believe everything you hear. There are a lot of myths about Plan B One-Step. You should know that it is NOT an abortion pill, and it will not affect an existing pregnancy. It’s also not meant for regular birth control. Taking Plan B One-Step will not impact a woman’s future (or long-term) fertility.

  • Know how to access emergency contraception if you need it. There is no age restriction, and you do not need an ID or prescription to purchase Plan B One-Step, for example, and it’s available at Target next to the pharmacy. It’s on the bottom shelf on the aisle with other sexual health products. If you’re looking for the product and cannot locate it within the store, you can always ask the pharmacist and they will be able to help – no questions asked. You can also get a $10 coupon to use on Plan B One-Step.

  • Ask your medical provider(s) questions you might have. Clarify any concerns you have about how to take it or what it does. You must use Plan B One-Step as directed, and the box lists directions and other important information on the back. When it comes to anything related to my healthcare, I ask as many questions as possible until I feel comfortable with whatever option I choose.

  • Don’t worry about opinions but make decisions for your own well-being. Despite the plethora of resources available to explain emergency contraception, many people will have their own opinions about taking it. Do what is right for you, your family, your body and your health. While I personally have not used Plan B One-Step, I am grateful to know it’s an option that is available to women. I strongly believe women should have the right and ability to pursue the options that are best for them when they are in that situation. Know that if you find yourself in need of emergency contraception you are not alone: Half of the women who use Plan B are 18 to 24 years old and the other half are older than 25. The need can occur in all age groups and situations.

Do you think it’s important to know your healthcare options? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Learn more:

Plan B One-Step
Get $10 Off Plan B One-Step

 

My Invisalign Experience

I’ve been wearing Invisalign aligners for years. Years! I can finally say I am done with Invisalign life and happy with the results!

When I first went in for an Invisalign consulation at a Phoenix orthodontist in December 2013, I was told I was better suited for traditional braces because they would best help fix my dental issues. I was stubborn, though. I didn’t want to wear traditional braces, I wanted Invisalign and the ability to take them out. The orthodontist agreed to take on my case but he warned me it would take years and my smile may not be as perfect as I envisioned.

In March 2014, I received my first aligners. It took the three months since the consultation to take impressions and receive my trays. That was because I first had to have two teeth removed. I also needed attachments, which are enamel-colored hooks on certain teeth to keep the aligners in place and help move my teeth. I needed quite a few of them. They were mostly not noticeable unless someone was up close to me, though sometimes I felt like I was wearing clear braces. I also needed an appliance to keep the spacing in my upper teeth as it was. I wore this for more than a year. I got used to it being there and cleaning food from it, but it wasn’t fun. I was overjoyed the day it was removed!

A plus about Invisalign is that I was able to get the attachments removed for my wedding in September 2014. It was unpleasant but worth it for the photos. My orthodontist at the time also gave me teeth whitening for my big day. I simply used my current trays as whitening trays using the gel he gave me. (After the wedding I went back in and he put the attachments back on.)

You can tell in this photo from my wedding day:

 

After the wedding I continued wearing my trays as usual until I complicated matters and extended my orthodontic treatment time by moving to Chicago in March 2015. I had to pause my treatment until I found an orthodontist I liked in Chicago. I went months wearing the same trays until I was able to get new impressions and new aligners.

It wasn’t until fall of 2015 that I was back on Invisalign and moving forward with my treatment. I thought I was going to be done in 2017, but after finishing my final trays, my orthodontist ordered yet another set.

What life was like with Invisalign:

  • More water, fewer sugary drinks. You have to take out your Invisalign when you drink anything but water. Invisalign was a great motivator for me to stick with water.
  • More attention to dental health. I would try to brush my teeth immediately after eating to keep my Invisalign aligners clean and prevent bad breath. This can be tricky at restaurants because we’d be in the middle of conversation and I’d have to excuse myself to brush my teeth and put my Invisalign back in. Wearing Invisalign forces you to be more vigilant. It’s also important to have two or three cases to store your aligners. I always kept the last set in case I lost a pair, and I had one case in my purse at all times for when I needed to take my aligners out to eat.
  • Less snacking. I found that in order to keep my aligners in for the optimal 22 hours I would snack fewer times a day or take a shorter amount of time to snack. Cutting back on snacks meant less time I’d have to excuse myself to brush and rinse my mouth out. It can be challenging to wear the aligners more than 20 hours. Toward the end of treatment, though, I wouldn’t wear my aligners for that long. I kept them out for up to two hours every time I ate.

Was Invisalign worth it?

Yes! Absolutely. I am not sure how much I paid anymore, but it was at least $4,000 (probably closer to $5,000). My insurance only covered child orthodontia, so I was not able to get any of it paid. The goal was always to widen my upper teeth and narrow my lower set to make my smile more even. I was always embarrassed of my smile before Invisalign and now I love it. I would always hide my crooked bottom row of teeth and smile from the side to avoid showing how narrow my top teeth were. I do need teeth whitening now that I am done though, but I am already taking care of that. While my teeth aren’t perfect by any means, I am satisfied with the results. Getting Invisalign treatment improved my confidence and made me like my smile. I wish I would have done it years earlier!

My Invisalign Results:

Note: The top photo is not my true “before” photo. This was after a set of aligners in 2015, but I don’t have the before photo from my first orthodontist. My bottom teeth were much more crooked than the photos show.

I will love my smile more when I whiten my teeth after my treatment.

 

 

 

 

Postpartum Fitness Goals

I’m now eight weeks postpartum and I’ve finally been cleared to work out. I am feeling back to normal for the most part and I’m ready to get back to running after months off! I’m sharing my postpartum fitness goals in hopes of finding others who are going through the same phase of life or who are also looking to get back in shape or improve their health and well-being. I plan to post weekly recaps of my half-marathon training when I officially begin later this month; watch out for those, especially if you need motivation to find time for working out. I am a mom of two now so it will be challenging to make the time for fitness and I’m sure that will come up in my recaps. I’ll share any tips I learn along the way!

My Postpartum Fitness Goals:

  • Running: My goal is to train for and run the Chicago Half Marathon in September. I haven’t run a race since the Chicago Marathon in 2016, so I can’t wait to get back out there! I plan to sign up for group training as I did in the past. My goal is to finish the race in whatever way it takes, meaning walking as much as I need to. I don’t have a time goal this time around.
  • Weight: As of last week I was 3 pounds below my pre-baby weight thanks to breastfeeding, so I don’t feel like I need to drop more weight, but I’ll take it if it means I feel more toned and stronger. Right now I don’t feel either way.
  • Yoga: My goal is to get back to practicing regularly after some time off. I hope to also make it to two classes in a studio a month. (I can practice as much as I want at home because I am trained as a yoga teacher.)
  • Meals: I tracked my food intake throughout most of my pregnancy but I have gotten off track over the past few months. I want to get back to reviewing what I am eating and making sure I eat enough protein!
  • Family: I want to incorporate the kids into my fitness routine as much as possible by pushing them in the running stroller or practicing yoga at home with V. We also go on family walks sometimes and I want to continue that.

Are you working toward a fitness goal? Share yours in the comments so we can hold each other accountable and encourage one another!

Related posts:

Chicago Marathon 2016 Recap
Future Moments of Yes: My 2018 Goal

5 Ways to Include Your Pup in Your Health Goals

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CheckYourPetFood #CollectiveBias

Health Goals for Your Dog

We consider ourselves an active family. We like to be outdoors as much as possible, especially if it involves camping and hiking. This quality time together is part of how we focus on our mental and physical well-being. I’ve recently shared my own fitness and well-being goals for 2018, but there’s one family member whom I also include in our wellness aspirations: our dog Capone. If you’re new around here, Capone has been with us since 2011, when my husband found him abandoned in the Phoenix heat. He had no owner and he was scared, hungry and thirsty. Since my husband fed him that first day, he never left his side, and since then he has accompanied us on many of our camping and travel adventures. (Now, he’s also our toddler’s trusted companion!) We need to keep Capone happy and healthy so he can tag along with us for a long time to come. This is why I offer this reminder: Include your dog in the health goals you set this year!

Health Goals for Your Pet

How to include your pup in your health goals:

1. Take your dog(s) along on your workouts. Besides walks, consider having your dog join any hikes, runs or beach/swimming trips you might have planned. You can also find fitness classes that include your dogs. In Chicago, for example, where we live, you can find stand-up paddleboard with your pup classes in the summer.

Health Goals for Your Dog
Hiking in the Sedona area a few years ago.

2. Make sure all family members have their regular checkups and get their preventive care done. Capone started this year by visiting the vet for his vaccinations and a checkup. He’s doing great!

3. In addition to tracking your own habits and progress, keep an eye on your dog’s moods, changes, symptoms, exercise, etc. A bullet journal is a great place for this. That way you can notice any patterns or behaviors that need to be addressed and keep everyone in good shape!

Health Goals for Your Dog

4. While reassessing what your diet looks like, take a look at what your pup is eating, too. Check your dog’s food label to make sure he or she is getting quality ingredients. Does your dog’s food contain real meat? Is it grain free? We like Purina® Beneful® Originals With Real Chicken Dog Food (12.5 or 31.1 lb) and Purina® Beneful® Grain Free With Real Farm-Raised Chicken Adult Dry Dog Food (12.5 lb) because both options help us feed Capone real meat and quality ingredients for the right price. You can find these two options, plus all the dog toys and items you need, at Meijer.

Health Goals for Your Dog

Health Goals for Your Dog

Bonus: You can save time by using Meijer’s Shipt or Curbside services. Shipt lets you order your groceries online and have them delivered to your home, while Curbside allows you to add items to your cart and select when you want to pick them up at the store in the curbside lane. Both are super convenient! Just be sure to verify whether your Meijer location offers these services by typing in your ZIP code when you check out Shipt and Curbside online.

You’ll also save on your next Purina® purchase with this MPerk offer: Dog Chow – $1 off 32 lb bag or smaller and $1 off any size of Beneful Dog Food!

5. In addition to watching what you put inside your dog’s body, keep the outside healthy as well with regular grooming, washing and looking for any abnormalities.

When’s the last time you checked your dog food ingredients? Do you like to exercise with your pup?

Connect with Purina®:

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Connect with Meijer:

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MPerk offer:

Health Goals for Your Dog

Dog Chow – $1 off 32 lb bag or smaller and $1 off any size of Beneful Dog Food!

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Health Goals for Your Dog

2018 Word of the Year, Plus Simplifying To-Do List

2018 Word of the Year, Plus a Simplifying To-Do List

For the past few years I have chosen a word to guide the following 12 months. Each year I have watched that word change my life, sometimes in ways I didn’t expect. When I saw the following word last week, it spoke to me. I knew this would be my chosen word for 2018,  as well as an intention: Believe.

Believe is my 2018 word of the year.

I believe in myself and that I can make my goals a reality.

I believe our baby will be healthy and happy.

I believe we will adjust to life with a new baby.

I believe we will find a better space/home for us.

I believe we will be successful financially and personally.

I believe a certain sports team will win it all. 😉

I believe I will find time for fitness after baby.

I believe I can be more mindful of what I put into my body.

I believe I can realign my life to make room for all things I love.

I believe I can help people.

I believe I will connect with more amazing people thanks to my blog and my social media channels.

I wrote last week about how I want to confidently share what I want to do in 2018, and the word believe certainly aligns with that desire.

What’s your word for 2018? Do you prefer to set goals or resolutions?

Simplifying To-Do List for 2018:

In addition to a chosen word for 2018, I’ve been thinking lately about how I can simplify to make room for change in both my mind and my home. I came up with some to-dos I want to take in the first half of the year to get me started. I’m sure I will add to this as the year progresses.

  • Declutter photos in my Google Drive, on my phone and on my computer and external hard drive.
  • Sell my old camera and lenses I don’t need.
  • Sell clothes that don’t fit anymore and that I won’t want to wear after baby.
  • Declutter more accessories I don’t wear.
  • Get rid of old pillows and blankets.
  • Donate or declutter toys Victoria doesn’t play with and clothes she doesn’t like (and some that I don’t like).
  • Clean up my Pinterest boards.

What’s on your to-do list this year? Do you have a running list of things to declutter like me?

Related posts:

 

 

Owning My Choices In 2018 | Tips to Achieve Your Goals & Prioritize

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #OwnWhatYouEat #CollectiveBias

How to Reprioritize and Own Your Choices

 

In 2018, confidence is in. For me, it’s all about confidence in what I want to do and who I am. In the new year I am shifting my priorities yet again to make room for the new addition to our family. I learned to shift my priorities and find balance when my husband and I adopted Victoria, but now I will do that once again when our daughter is born in late April. The aim for 2018 is to find a new version of balance for myself and to more importantly have confidence in sharing those plans and aspirations without fearing judgement. My pregnancy has reminded me of my goal to work for myself and provided extra motivation to really own 2018 by making moves I should have made long ago to get there. I already enjoy the flexibility of working from home — or anywhere — but now I want to take that further by gaining more freedom to spend time with my growing family. As I realign my priorities and put more focus on my freelance work, I want to share some of the steps I am taking and share tips on how to own your choices and reprioritize in 2018.

How to own your choices and achieve your goals in the new year:

Start by writing down your perfect day in the next five years. I began doing this years ago during my yoga-teacher training. Revisiting this exercise helps refocus your vision when you lose sight of the result you want. Be as specific as possible. Then write down goals you can accomplish in the next year to help you work toward that goal. One mantra I have had in the past is the following quote: “Do something every day that brings you closer to your goals.” For me, this can be checking network sites for opportunities, pitching directly to brands, networking or enrolling in a class to improve my skills.

Make a list of people/resources that can help you achieve your goals. This can be books, classes, mentors, or even foods that make you feel nourished and your best. For me that starts with Special K® snacks and cereal to give me the protein I need to fuel my day as well as cereals to start my day on the right foot. It also includes incorporating self-care into my daily routine in addition to working tirelessly on my career goals.

Create a vision board and set a routine. Hang it to over your desk/dresser/etc. that can remind you of your goals and priorities. You can also do this electronically. I like to pin articles related to self-improvement on a Pinterest board that I often navigate to for inspiration. Surround yourself with inspiration in the form of quotes, mentors, or images, whether in your planner, on your phone screen’s wallpaper, or on your walls.

Owning Your Choices in 2018

Seeing quotes as I open my planner first thing in the morning puts me in the right mindset. I also make sure to begin my day with Special K® cereals, including my favorite Chocolatey Delight, which can be found in the cereal aisle at Target. My recent morning routine includes not checking email or starting work without finishing my breakfast.

Hover the image below to start shopping for your perfect breakfast! My most recent Special K purchase included Special K® Red Berries Cereal (12 oz), Special K® Chocolate Delight Cereal (13.1 oz), Special K® Nourish Coconut Cranberry Almond Cereal (14 oz),
Special K® Red Berries Bar, and Special K® Protein Peanut Butter Chocolate Bites.

Throughout my workdays I’ve also been enjoying the Special K® Chocolate Protein Bites, which have 9 grams of protein, and the Red Berries Chewy Snack Bars. These keep me satisfied while trying to tackles my to-do list as a work-from-home mom.

Make a game plan. Break your yearly goals into monthly goals and set deadlines. Identify items/activities you can delegate to others/outsource. (Maybe it’s hiring a cleaning service or using a grocery delivery service.)

Make a list of distractions to avoid and activities to “declutter” from your life. This could be people, social media profiles, and to-dos that don’t get you closer to your goals and aren’t essential.

How to own your choices and reprioritize in 2018

 

 

Let go of caring about others’ opinions. Share your plans/goals/priorities freely and confidently. I am doing just that with this post, but I try to also share it in conversations with people around me. Put your vision out there confidently!

Try and try again. When you feels like you’ve failed at something, it’s really just a teaching moment. You are learning what doesn’t work so you can reprioritize, readjust and can keep going in a new direction.

Practice single-tasking. For each day or each week, consider focusing on just one goal. Focus all of your energy on it until it’s accomplished, then move on to the next step/milestone. I have been practicing time blocking in my planner so designate time to only one task at a time and conduct batch work. For instance, when I take blog photos I try to shoot everything I need for the week’s posts in one sitting. When freelance writing, I try to only focus on those assignments while avoiding social media scrolling.

How to own your choices and reprioritize in 2018
Special K®’s Chewy Red Berries Snack Bars satisfy my sweet cravings throughout the day.

Measure and reward your successes. I use my planner’s notes sections to periodically write updates on my goals and track my blog, freelance and social media growth. I also use spreadsheets to track income and expenses, and to keep track of my ideas and any potential work I would be interested in.

Most important: Don’t compare yourself to others! I am a firm believer that there is enough room for everyone to succeed at what they want to do. I can make my plans to freelance write and edit a reality without feeling threatened or less successful than another person who does the same. Also, our paths to our version of success won’t look the same: People have different visions, resources and goals.

In what ways do you plan to own your choices and goals in 2018? Share your thoughts with me in the process. If you try any of these Special K® products I mentioned, let me know what your favorites are and visit the Special K® website to learn more about how you can own your choices in the new year!

 

Connect with Kellogg Special K®:

Check out the Kellogg Family Rewards page to find great Kellogg deals!

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Check out these great Special K® deals:

  • From 12/31/17 to 1/6/18: Select Special K® Bars and Cereals are 2 for $4 at Target!
  • From 11/1/17 to 6/1/18: Get a free Swell water bottle with an empowerment message on it via Kellogg® Family Rewards when you purchase any combination of three participating Kellogg® Special K® products between 11/1/17 and 6/1/18. Receipts must be submitted by 7/1/18.

How to own your choices and reprioritize in 2018

Click the image or here to learn more about the Kellogg® Family Rewards offer for a free Swell water bottle with purchase of three Special K® products!

 

Saying Yes to My Well-Being

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WellYesMoment #CollectiveBias

 

I’ve always considered myself to be a motivated and driven person. I am always saying yes to new classes, activities and opportunities, sometimes to my own detriment. I say this because in trying to do too much, I have sometimes neglected my own physical and emotional well-being. I came to this realization recently in my Moment of Yes.

This summer I woke up in the middle of the night in a panic about all the things I had to do. I had a never-ending list because I was taking on too much and trying to put on a one-woman show. I was trying to put out content almost every day of the week, I was trying to be a present mom who also works from home full time, I was trying to train for a half-marathon, and I was trying to explore and do as much as I could in Chicago. I was also trying to make plans with friends, go to yoga, take care of my plants — the list goes on.

I tend to set many, many goals for myself to the point where it becomes overwhelming. This moment of panic and the feeling of being constantly exhausted taught me that there’s a certain Yes I need to be saying: yes to my well-being.

This yes means more time without worrying about my to-do list. Yes to canceling plans if needed. Yes to giving my body time to rest without forcing myself to go out and do something, or to do another workout simply because I feel guilty about not doing it. Yes to really listening when my husband and daughter speak to me without thinking about something I should post on social media, something I need to finish at work, or something I need to get done that day.

Yes to the following ways to take care of myself:

  • Eat well.
  • Simplify.
  • Practice self-care.
  • Prioritize.
  • Be present.
  • And most important: Do less, relax more.

The moment I experienced reminded me that I need to feel nourished in all ways, including what I put into my body and how I spend my time.

So what changes have I made? Well, I am saying yes to things that are good for me and make me happy.

Yes to hiring a sitter when we need a date day/night or I need a break.

 
 

Yes to more yoga and taking care of my body.

 
 

Yes to more journaling.

 
 

Yes to eating delicious meals.
Enjoying a Well Yes!® Minestrone and Kale Soup

As part of my effort to be more mindful in all aspects of my life, I have been loving Well Yes!® Soups.

I’ve been making more of an effort to log off the computer to give myself time to enjoy my mealtime. The soups I’ve been loving include Well Yes! Minestrone and Kale, Tomato Carrot Bisque, Black Bean with Red Quinoa and Cajun Red Bean and Vegetable. Well Yes! Soups are flavorful and delicious and they’re made from real, non-GMO and nutritious ingredients. The soups are crafted with care so that they contain no artificial flavors or colors. The can packaging is made with a non-BPA lining, too!

 
 
 

As a vegetarian, I am a big fan of soups with beans and lots of vegetables. I love easy-to-prepare meals even more, so Well Yes! Soups have been a win for me.
Cajun Red Bean and Vegetable Soup

Sometimes I enjoy my Well Yes! Soup on the patio for a nice change of scenery.
Black Bean and Red Quinoa

With plenty of Well Yes! varieties, you can switch up your favorite flavors and never get bored.
Tomato Carrot Bisque

Have you experienced a similar feeling of needing to find more balance? Also, have you tasted Well Yes! Soups yet?

 

Don’t forget to enter the #WellYesMoment Sweepstakes in the widget below for a chance to win up to a $500 Visa gift card! It’s as easy as clicking, logging in, and sharing your Moment of Yes story! If you win, think of all the ways you can use the prizing to achieve your Moment of Yes!

#WellYesMoment #Sweepstakes (10/14 to 11/17)

Connect with Well Yes!

 
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